A new model Turnbull Manufacturing AR-platform rifle that "just about buckled the knees" of a veteran gun editor will be featured as a 2013 SHOT Show auction rifle and is currently being auctioned exclusively on GunBroker.com.

The specially prepared Turnbull TAR-10 .308 boasts features rarely seen on an AR-style rifle, including case hardening, hand engraving, elaborate gold inlay and special select walnut stock. In addition, the featured SHOT rifle will carry serial number TAR-000001.

"When I first saw this gun, it just about buckled my knees," commented Jim Bequette, Editor of Guns and Ammo and a firearms publishing veteran. "It was the most beautiful AR I had ever seen. The color case-hardened receiver is extraordinary."

Regular production Turnbull TAR-10 rifles will be the same as this special SHOT Show rifle minus the elaborate engraving and presentation-grade wood. "Our objective in creating the Tar-10 was to show that the AR platform is more than just a military rifle. We wanted to emphasize that these types of rifles can be made to look like any other custom rifle in terms of appeal," commented Doug Turnbull, founder of Turnbull Manufacturing. "These are hunting rifles and we plan on making them look and feel like the new generation of guns for hunt­ers and collectors."

Unlike most other AR models, the TAR-10 is built of steel and is case hardened using Turnbull's proprietary finish. The receiver is made from an 8620 billet, with the upper and lower halves attached in the AR style. The upper receiver has a built-in high rise Picatinny rail sight platform, eliminating the need for special scope risers. The butt stock is an A2 design made from American Walnut.

The pistol grip and forearm are also made from American Walnut and are designed to provide a comfortable shooting hold. As is typical of the AR platform, the gun can be configured in a multitude of different styles. Anyone familiar with the AR15 rifle will be right at home with the TAR-10 .308.

The Turnbull TAR-10 is modeled after the DPMS LR .308. It is a gas operated semi-auto that locks with a rotating bolt. It comes supplied with a ten-round and a 4-round detachable magazine.

The SHOT Show rifle is engraved by Adams and Adams featuring more than 50 inches of fine gold inlay. The stock, forend, and pistol grip are hand select walnut by Lucent Solutions.

The SHOT Show rifle is equipped with a Zeiss 1.5-6x42 T #60 Victory HT scope supplied by Carl Zeiss sports optics.

The rifle is available for auction exclusively on www.GunBroker.com until 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on Jan. 18, 2013, the closing day of the 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The gun may be viewed at http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=322196026

Last year, more than 200,000 GunBroker.com users viewed the SHOT Show auctions on the popular internet auction site.

The SHOT Show auction is administered by the Hunting Heritage Trust for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF ). All proceeds from the auction will benefit programs to further America's hunting and shooting sports heritage.